Delegation Basics
What are the "5 Rights" of delegation?
A. Right task, right environment, right person, right direction, right outcome
B. Right task, right circumstances, right person, right communication, right supervision
C. Right task, right timing, right team, right documentation, right direction
B. Right task, right circumstances, right person, right communication, right supervision.
True or False: An RN is still accountable for a task after delegating it to another team member.
A. True
B. False
The most important element of communication when delegating a task is:
A. Being polite
B. Offering detailed feedback afterward
C. Providing clear and specific instructions
D. Ensuring team members agree with the task
C. Providing clear and specific instructions
You delegate vital signs to a UAP, but the patient has become unstable. What is your next step?
A. Take over the task and assess the patient yourself
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Ask the UAP to complete the task quickly
D. Wait until the UAP reports back
A. Take over the task and assess the patient yourself
Which of the following factors is MOST important when deciding whether to delegate a task?
A. The preferences of the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)
B. The complexity of the task and the patient’s condition
C. The RN’s workload and time constraints
D. The availability of other staff members to assist
B. The complexity of the task and the patient’s condition
If a delegated task is not completed correctly, what is the RN's responsibility?
A. Reassign the task to another team member
B. Correct the issue and provide feedback or training
C. Document the failure and move on
D. Ignore the error if it caused no harm
B. Correct the issue and provide feedback or training
If a team member refuses a delegated task, the RN should:
A. Reassign the task immediately
B. Address their concerns and assess task appropriateness
C. Report them to their supervisor
D. Complete the task without further discussion
B. Address their concerns and assess task appropriateness
A patient on contact precautions needs assistance with hygiene. Can this task be delegated to a UAP?
A. Yes, if the UAP is trained in infection control procedures
B. No, this must be done by an RN
C. Yes, but only if the patient is stable
D. No, this is an LPN’s responsibility
A. Yes, if the UAP is trained in infection control procedures
Which of the following tasks is NOT typically delegable to UAP?
A. Ambulating a stable patient
B. Administering medication
C. Measuring intake and output
D. Taking vital signs
B. Administering medications
Delegation must comply with which key legal document in nursing?
A. ANA Code of Ethics
B. The Nurse Practice Act in the RN’s state
C. Facility policies and procedures
D. The Patient Bill of Rights
B. The Nurse Practice Act in the RN’s state
Which of the following verifies understanding of a delegated task?
A. Assuming the team member knows what to do
B. Asking the team member to verbalize instructions and observing their performance
C. Reviewing the task later during shift change
D. Relying on the UAP’s past experience
B. Asking the team member to verbalize instructions and observing their performance
A new LPN asks to administer IV medications. What should you verify before delegating?
A. The LPN’s license and competency in IV medication administration
B. The LPN’s willingness to perform the task
C. The patient’s preference for an LPN or RN
D. Facility staffing levels
A. The LPN’s license and competency in IV medication administration
The primary purpose of delegation in nursing is to:
A. Reduce the workload of the RN
B. Allow team members to work independently
C. Improve efficiency and ensure timely care for patients
D. Train UAP for more responsibilities
C. Improve efficiency and ensure timely care for patients
Which ethical principle ensures that delegated tasks are performed in the patient’s best interest?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Beneficence
D. Non-maleficence
C. Beneficence
What is the purpose of SBAR communication?
A. To organize patient handoffs
B. To reduce delegation errors
C. To clarify tasks for team members
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
You delegate turning a bedbound patient every 2 hours to a UAP. On follow-up, it hasn’t been done. What is your next step?
A. Reassign the task to another UAP
B. Turn the patient yourself and address the issue with the UAP
C. Ignore it since the task is non-urgent
D. Report the UAP to their supervisor
B. Turn the patient yourself and address the issue with the UAP
Which organization provides guidelines on nursing delegation?
A. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
B. American Nurses Association (ANA)
C. The Joint Commission
D. World Health Organization (WHO)
B. American Nurses Association (ANA)
What is one consequence of improper delegation?
A. Decreased workload for the RN
B. Increased team cohesion
C. Legal action or harm to the patient
D. Faster task completion
C. Legal action or harm to the patient
How does cultural competence improve communication in delegation?
A. By reducing conflicts related to diverse backgrounds
B. By ensuring team members understand medical terms
C. By minimizing communication altogether
D. By allowing team members to work independently
A. By reducing conflicts related to diverse backgrounds
A CNA reports a patient’s blood glucose is 55 mg/dL. What should you do?
A. Administer glucose immediately
B. Confirm the reading, assess the patient, and administer glucose if appropriate
C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Reassign the task to another team member
B. Confirm the reading, assess the patient, and administer glucose if appropriate